The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) and the Association Francophone des Municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFMNB) released a report called "Respect in Action" which outlines recommended actions to address the harassment and intimidation of elected officials. This report comes about following numerous consultations and a symposium last fall held with elected officials across New Brunswick. 

"Respect in Action speaks to the need to re-center civility in our places of work" said Brittany Merrifield, president of UMNB. "Creating a culture of respect and civility requires a commitment to training, role clarity, and support for civility across all local governments."  

The associations commissioned the report, with support from the Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick (AMANB) and the department of Environment and Local Government, to provide options and strategies to address the increasing instances of intimidation at the council table and in the community.

The report includes 46 recommendations divided between local governments, municipal associations, and the provincial government. Recommendations range from creating a public campaign to increase civility, establishing mandatory pre- and post-election training, and investigating the lessons from the anti-harassment legislation in Quebec.  

"We have heard clearly from our members that there's a need for more structured rules and protections for councils. The report provides pathways for our members, our associations and the provincial government to create a healthier environment for councils and staff in municipal governments." said Kassim Doumbia, president of AFMNB.

The associations have submitted the report to the Minister of Local Government and to the Local Governance Commission and will be reviewing the contents with their members over the coming months.